Will an older cat use the wheel? Is it safe for seniors?Updated a month ago

The wheel is safe for senior kitties to use, and giving them an outlet to stay active can be a great way to keep them healthy and fit in their twilight years. However, just bear in mind that senior cats may have less energy and may be less open to trying new things, so it may be much harder to train them to the wheel if they have no prior experience. Depending on their age, they will also be less likely to run hard—instead, you may see them go for short, casual strolls throughout the day. 

As with any cat, the trick will be working with your senior kitty each day, using either treats or toys to entice them onto the wheel and then taking slow and steady steps. Because seniors may be less interested in running or less curious in general, the training period can take much longer than normal. For some older cats, they may never be interested in using the wheel unless you're there with them to encourage them. Cats that prefer to sleep away the day and rarely move around much are typically the hardest to train to the wheel, and the least likely to use it independently. 

If your cat has any health issues that affect their mobility or make walking painful, we recommend talking with your vet to see if they think the wheel would be a good fit. Sometimes exercise can help with these conditions, but other times it can make them worse, and your vet will be best qualified to assess your cat's particular needs.